5 scams to look out for this Valentine's Day

Key takeaways

• Valentine’s Day creates opportunities for scammers to exploit people through emotional, financial, and digital tricks.

• Fraudsters commonly use fake identities, misleading websites, and deceptive messages to steal personal or payment information.

• Staying vigilant, verifying sources, and using secure payment practices can help protect against seasonal scams.

Kara's top 5 Valentine's Day scams to be careful of

1. Dodgy dating profiles 

In the run‑up to Valentine’s Day, we often see an increase in fraudsters creating fake profiles on dating apps to target people looking for love.

These profiles may seem genuine at first but once they’ve gained your trust, a sudden “crisis” or “emergency” occurs.

Scammers frequently introduce a sudden ‘crisis’ that only your money can solve, such as a medical emergency, a visa problem or urgent travel expenses.

These tactics are designed to play on your emotions and create a sense of panic so you feel pressured into making a quick decision.

If someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money, it’s essential to pause and verify what you’re being told.

Be cautious of profiles that seem too perfect, push for rapid declarations of love, or repeatedly avoid meeting in person or even via a video call.

Taking a moment to check the facts and speaking to someone you trust can help protect you from becoming a victim of this type of scam.

2. Fake flowers 

With many people ordering flowers ahead of February 14th, fraudsters may take advantage by setting up fake websites that look convincing but are designed to harvest your personal and payment details.

These sites can appear legitimate at first glance, but you may find you’re charged for an order that never arrives.

Before buying from a retailer you don’t recognise, take a moment to check reviews and confirm the site’s contact details to help ensure it’s genuine.

3. Suspicious links 

With millions of people ordering gifts in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, scammers often exploit the anticipation around deliveries. 

By posing as delivery companies, they may claim a parcel is being held due to unpaid fees. These texts often include a link asking for payment – but legitimate delivery firms will never request money this way.

If you’re unsure, don’t click the link. Instead, go directly to the courier’s official website to check delivery status and stay safe

4. Social media giveaways 

Social media is full of Valentine’s giveaways, but fraudsters use these posts to trick people into handing over personal information or paying ‘release fees’ for prizes that don’t exist.

Legitimate competitions will never ask for payment or sensitive details or paying ‘release fees’ for prizes that don’t exist.

If you’re contacted by an account claiming you’ve won, take a moment to check whether it’s the brand’s verified profile and avoid clicking on any links that look suspicious.

5. Gift card grabbers

Gift cards are a popular gift choice, but unfortunately they are also a common target for scammers.. 

Fraudsters may tamper with cards on shop shelves, copying the numbers and security codes. Once the card is activated at the till,  they drain the balance instantly.

To stay safe, choose gift cards kept behind the counter and always check the packaging for signs of tampering before you buy.

How to avoid falling victim to Valentine’s Day scams

With Valentine’s Day all about spreading the love, it is easy to let our guard down - and scammers take advantage of this.

From fake delivery texts to dodgy dating profiles and prizes that seem too good to be true, staying alert is key for keeping your money and personal details safe.

1. Purchase from a trusted retailer 

Scammers often rely on websites that look convincing at first glance but fall apart under closer inspection. To stay safe, avoid buying from unfamiliar sites, auction platforms or social media ads.

Instead, stick to trusted retailers with verified customer reviews and secure payment systems. Always check for ‘https://’ in the web address, this signals the site is encrypted and helps protect your personal information.

2. Pay on plastic 

If possible, use a credit card for online purchases. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, you’ll have extra protection for transactions between £100 and £30,000.

If something goes wrong – whether the goods never arrive or the retailer turns out to be fraudulent – your credit card provider can be held jointly liable with the seller.

This means you can claim directly from your card company, even if the retailer has disappeared. It’s a simple but powerful safeguard that can make all the difference if you’re caught out by a scam.

3. Say no to saving payment information 

Even websites that look legitimate can fall victim to cyberattacks, and if you’ve saved your payment details, you could be exposed in a data breach.

To stay safe, avoid storing card information and opt for secure payment methods like Apple Pay or PayPal.

These services add an extra layer of protection and limit the risk of your financial details being compromised. Convenience is great but not at the cost of your security.